Dear Editor,

Having observed the crime explosion over the past couple of years, I feel compelled to make these suggestions:

(1) Social intervention programmes to be implemented by relevant agencies – sports, entertainment and income-generating programmes to be included. Also counsellors, caregivers and mentors.

(2) All commanding officers to identify hot spots for crime in their division and list the type of crimes being committed.

(3) Identify and list all entrances and exits to these locations.

(4) Establish checkpoints at each entrance and exit at these hot spots.

(5) Select team leaders for each location.

(6) Establish a crack team of crime fighters and members of the JDF, ISCF and the National Reserve to to be in these locations for six months.

(7) Quantify how many security officers are needed for the six months to effect improvements.

(8) Establish remand centres, necessary infrastructure, equipment, databases, accommodation and all other tools required for this operation.

(9) Provide a special allowance for all participating personnel.

(10) Meet with team leaders for briefing and outline mission objectives.

(11) Simultaneous execution date and time to be decided.

(12) All meetings must be confidential.

(13) Team leaders to be informed four hours prior to simultaneous execution.

(14) Anyone who passes the checkpoints must be thoroughly checked and searched by security personnel.

(15) Meet regularly with team leaders to fine-tune all the plans.

(16) Call the unit “Peace and Love Unit”.

(17) Have a command centre in Kingston to be led by a senior officer who can think on his feet and is assertive, fair and has an analytical mind.

Ken Nelson

Kingston